Modular paper sculptures

ABSTRACT

A construction element is constructed from a sheet of foldable material and provided with a plurality of face panels having a common apex. The element is symmetric about a line through the apex and manipulable to form three-dimensional geometric modular elements with which to construct complex geometric ornaments and sculptures.

limited States Patent [191 Tuitt Jan. 15, 1974 MODULAR PAPER SCULPTURES [76] Inventor: Milton Tuitt, 356 Peoria St., Daly City, Calif.

[22] Filed: July 19, 1971 [21] App1.No.: 163,670

[52] US. Cl. 35/72, 46/1 L [51] Int. Cl A63h 33/16 [58] Field of Search 35/72, 34; 46/30, 46/31, 1 L

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,654,375 4/1972 Geiger 35 72 619,757 2/1899 .lohnstone... 46/31 X 2,007,421 7/1935 Coughlin 46/l L 2,061,510 11/1936 Drumpelmann 46/30 2,151,066 3/1939 Anderson 35/72 2,351,931 6/1944 Debs 46/30 2,454,307 11/1948 Cooley 46/30 X 2,633,657 4/1953 Warren 46/1 L X 2,708,329 5/1955 McKee 46/31 Primary Examinerl-larland S. Skogquist Attorney-Charles M. Fryer et a1.

[57] ABSTRACT A construction element is constructed from a sheet of foldable material and provided with a plurality of face panels having a common apex. The element is symmetric about a line through the apex and manipulable to form three-dimensional geometric modular elements with which to construct complex geometric ornaments and sculptures.

5 Claims, 51 Drawing Figures PMENTEJW l5 W I sum 10F 8 FIGS INVENTOR MILTON TUITT A La PATENTEUJAN 15 m4 SHZEI 2 OF 8 FIGB INVENTOR MILTON TUITT PNENTEUJM 15 19M SHEET 3!]? 8 INVENTOR MILTON TUITT PMENYEDJAM 15 m4 FIG. [7

FIGIS INVENTOR MILTON TUITT PATENTED JAN 1 5 i974 SHZET 5 U? INVENTOR MILTON TUITT PATENTEDJM '15 m4 7 3.785066 SHZET 8 UF 8 F1650 FIGESI INVENTOR MILTON TUITT MODULAR PAPER SCULPTURES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to three-dimensional geometric structures or models and pertains more particularly to a construction element and method of forming such geometric structures.

Three-dimensional geometric, structures, such as polyhedrons, serve as useful visual aids for teaching such subjects as solid geometry and architectural con-- struction and design. Such structures are also useful as ornamental objects and as elements for constructing other ornamental objects, such as sculptures, mobiles and toys. They may also be utilized in the designs and- /or construction of a wide variety of structures, such as buildings, and household furnishings, such as lamps, chairs and tables.

The prior-known apparatus and method of forming such three-dimensional models is shown in such publications as Paper Folding for Beginners, by William D. Murray and Francis J. Rignery, published by Dover Publications, New York, N. Y. and such U.S..Pats. as No. 1,997,022 issued Apr. 9, I935 to R. M. Stalker; No. 2,633,657 issued Apr. 7, 1953 to W. T. Warren, Jr.; No. 2,992,829 issued July 18, l96l, to C. L. Hopkins and No. 3,359,657 issued Dec. 26, 1967 to D. D. Hedberg.

The prior-known structures and methods for constructing geometric figures of this character are generally limited to the formation of a single sculptural form from a given blank. In this manner they are limited in the variety of forms which can be formed thereby and thus limited in versatility. Such prior-known structures are likewise limited in their structural strength and integrity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The primary object of the present invention is to provide a simple element for constructing threedimensional geometric figures.

Another object is to provide modular geometric elements from which to construct complex geometric figures.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a simple construction element of flat bendable material for forming three-dimensional figures.

In accordance with the present invention, a blank element is formed from a sheet of bendable material. The element is provided with fold lines dividing the element into a plurality of panels so that it may be folded into a geometric figure. A plurality of the geometric figures may be assembled into a complex geometric figure or scuplture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2-3 illustrate the successive steps of folding the element of FIG. ll;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of the element of FIG. 1 formed into a pyramid;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of an element like FIG. 1;

FIGS. 7 and 8 show successive steps of folding the element of FIG. 6 in an alternate manner to that of FIGS. 1-5;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views of the completed element of FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a modified embodiment of a construction element of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 12 and 13 show successive steps of folding the element of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a geometric figure constructed from the element of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a plan view of a modification of the construction element of FIG. 11;

FIGS. 16 and 17 show progressive steps of manipulating the element of FIG. 11;

FIGS. 18 and 19 show a plan view and a perspective view, respectively, of a geometric figure constructed from the element of FIG. 15;

FIG. 20 is a plan view of a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 21 and 22 are perspective views of a modular figure constructed from the element of FIG. 20;

FIGS. 23-25 are, respectively, a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a blank element and perspective views of modular elements constructed therefrom;

FIGS. 26-28 are similar views of another embodiment;

FIGS. 29-31 are similar views of yet another embodiment;

FIGS. 32-34 are similar views of still another embodiment;

FIGS. 35-37 are similar views of a modification of the construction element of FIG. 23;

FIGS. 38-40 are similar views and modifications of the FIG. 26 element;

FIGS. 41-43 are similar views and modifications of the FIG. 29 element;

FIGS. 44-46 are similar views and modifications of the FIG. 32 element;

FIGS. 47-50 are elevational views of ornamental structures constructed from certain modular elements of the prior figures; and,

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of a similar structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, there is illustrated an embodiment of the present invention comprising a construction element or blank and formed of a generally flat sheet of suitable bendable material such as paper, cardboard, plastic, or any other like sheet material. The element 10 is formed to be generally symmetric about a line intersecting a central point 12 at the intersection of a plurality of fold lines 14, l6, l8 and 20 which may be imaginary, but are preferably scored lines to facilitate folding. The central point 12 becomes the apex of the many triangular panels and ultimately the vertex of the polyhedron. The fold lines divide the element into a plurality of identical triangular panels 22, 24, 26 and 28 with each of the sides having flaps 30, 32, 34 and 36 formed by extensions thereof and divided by means of fold lines 38, 40, 42 and 44, respectively, between the flaps and panels.

At this point, it should be observed that the element 10 is constructed and divided to have one triangular panel in excess of the number of faces to appear on the final geometric figure or element. The excess panel, in

this case designated 26, hereinafter referred to as the fold panel, is bisected by a fold line 46 running from the central point 12 to intersect the edge of the panel perpendicular thereto. It will be observed that the elcment is symmetric with respect to line 46. This line 46 is preferably a perforated line because the portions of the panel must fold back onto one another 360. One flap or tab 36 may be provided with a hole 48 for orientation of the element or for the purpose of supporting the completed structure as by a string. The fold panel 26 is not absolutely essential to the construction element but is preferred because it lends substantial strength to the completed figure and it simplifies the manipulation of the construction element. Also the flap 34 for panel 26 is not essential to the element.

The above-described construction element is manipulated as illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 to form a modular unit as shown in FIGS. 4-5 which in itself may be a desired end product or serve as a modular unit or element for the construction of geometric or modular structures or sculptures, as shown in FIGS. 47-51.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is illustrated the manipulation of an element of FIG. 1 in such a manner that the central point 12 is forced upward or outward toward the observer, while at the same time, the fold line 46 is forced backward or downward away from the observer, and simultaneously, segments 26a and 26b may then either be joined, glued or stapled, together bringing lines 18 and 20 which now become edges 18 and 20 together to form a single edge 50, as shown in FIGS. 4-5. The panels 22, 24 and 28 now become faces 22, 24 and 28, of a geometric figure generally known as a polyhedron and more specifically may be referred to as a triangular pyramid.

For ornamental purposes, the surface of the element particularly forming the panels 22, 24 and 28 may be decorated in any suitable manner such as coloring or design. These modular elements may then be put together with a plurality of elements of similar or different design to form any number of ornamental designs. The modular units are attached together by gluing, joining, stapling or by any other suitable means, the flaps or tabs 30, 32, 34 and 36, such that the flaps or tabs extend behind and are hidden from the decorative surfaces.

The aforementioned described construction element again illustrated in FIG. 6, may be likewise manipulated to form a modular element such as to form a concave configuration with the faces of the panels forming a depression. Such a configuration is illustrated in FIG. 7 wherein the element is manipulated so that the point 12 is forced away from the observer. Likewise, the fold line 46 is forced away from the observer to bring the faces 26a and 26b together, as shown in FIG. 8. Again, the flaps and the material forming panel 26 are folded away from the faces 22, 24 and 28 which are presented to the observer.

Referring now to FIG. 11, there is illustrated an alternate embodiment of the present invention comprising a construction element from which a complex geometric module may be constructed. This element may start out as a sheet of material having the identical physical configuration as that of FIG. I, with the same basic fold lines intersecting at a central point or common apex 12. To this basic element is added additional fold lines 52, 54 and 56, and a cut 58 running parallel to the edge or base of the fold panel 26. Manipulation of this element is carried out, as shown in FIG. 12, by forcing the central point or apex 12' toward the observer while at the same time forcing the fold lines 52, 54 and 56 of the side panel and fold line 46 of the fold panel back away from the observer and again bringing the faces of the segments 26a and 26b together as shown in FIG. 13 and joining same to form a complex modular element, as illustrated in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 14, the modular element then becomes a regular or triangular pyramid disposed inside a concave pyramid-like structure generally referred to as a frustum of a pyramid. Again the point 12 becomes the vertex of the pyramid and the triangular panels become the faces of the pyramid.

Referring now to FIG. 15, there is illustrated a construction element which is a slight modification of that of FIG. 11 and which may then be manipulated to form a complex polyhedron modular element which is the reverse of that of FIG. 14.

The blank or construction element of FIG. 11 is modified by the addition of fold lines 60 and 62 on the panel 26" to permit the proper manipulation, as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17. The blank element as modified in FIG. 16 is manipulated, as illustrated in FIG. 16, such that the point 12 is forced in a direction away from the observer while at the same time the fold lines 52, 54 and 56 are forced toward the observer. Concurrently therewith, the fold line 46 is forced inward away from the observer to bring the faces of the panels 26a and 26b" together, as illustrated in FIG. 17, for gluing and stapling as previously described. This arrangement or manipulation results in the formation of a complex reverse pyramid as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19.

FIGS. 20-22 illustrates a modification which may be applied to any of the construction elements described herein. In this embodiment, a blank element 64 is provided with the usual fold lines as previously described. However, the center of the element is cut and taken out along lines 66, 68, and 92 leaving a hole in the center of the panel. The resulting element can then be manipulated to form modular elements, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22.

Referring now to FIGS. 23-31, there is illustrated the application of the principles of the present concept or invention to a polyhedron or the formation of a polyhedron having any number of sides. The key feature of the present invention permitting such construction is the provision of a blank having generally triangular panels for forming the face of the polyhedron with a common apex and an additional fold panel modified in the disclosed manner to permit the proper manipulation to achieve the desired configuration. For example, referring specifically to FIG. 23, there is a blank construction element designated by the numeral 74, having a generally septagonal shape and divided by fold lines to form seven triangular panels including a fold panel designated by the numeral 76 and a common apex 78. This element 74 may be manipulated in the same manner as described with respect to the previous embodiments of FIG. 1 to form a polygon, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, having six faces. Thus, the blank can be folded in a manner to provide a convex modular element as in FIG. 24, or concave modular element as in FIG. 25.

The remaining FIGS. 26-31 illustrate the common feature of a fold panel and the symmetric nature of the construction element about a line through the central point or common apex and bisecting the fold panel.

FIGS. 32-34 illustrate a modification wherein the fold panel is modified to provide a pair of tabs. In this embodiment, a blank element 80 having triangular panels 82, 84 and 86 and a fold panel 88. The major portion of panel 88 is omitted, leaving a tab-like structure which in assembly is folded behind the decorative face. This construction is particularly suitable where assembly is to be permanent or where transparent panels are used. Thus, the excess fold material present in the previously described embodiments is not present to detract from the visual effect of the construction. On the other hand, the structural and manipulative benefits are also absent.

Referring now to FIGS. 35-46, there is illustrated a modification of the basic panels of FIGS. 23-34 by providing fold lines, as discussed in previous embodiments, to form a blank or construction element to be formed in the shape of a complex modular element, as illustrated in previous embodiments of FIGS. 11-18. The inclusion or provision of additional fold lines, as illustrated in FIG. 35, for the panel permits construction of a complex modular element, as shown in FIGS. 36-37, in the same manner as in the previous embodiments.

FIGS. 38-46 show the application of this modification to other construction elements.

The above-described modular elements may be put together in any combination of elements and/or arrangements limited only by the imagination of the individual to provide ornamental figures such as the geometric sculptures illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 47-51. The sculptural figure of FIG. 47, for example, is made up of 24 triangular convex pyramids such as illustrated in FIG. 4 and 12 triangular concave pyramids as in FIG. 10. These modular elements are attached together in a suitable mannerjoining the flaps of adjacent pyramids.

The ornamental design of FIG. 48 comprises a plurality ofthe modular elements of FIG. 27.

The design of FIG. 49 comprises a number of square pyramids, a number of triangular pyramids and a number of combination square pyramids.

The design of FIG. 50 comprises a pair of complex hexagonal pyramids and a number of convex triangular pyramids.

The design of FIG. 51 comprises a number of square pyramids and a number of complex square pyramids.

From the above description, it can be seen that I have provided a basic construction element that may be manipulated and modified to form simple geometric modular elements which may be combined in any suitable manner or combination to provide modular structural elements from which to construct or form any number of geometric and ornamental structures and sculptures. While I have described my invention with respect to specific embodiments, it is to be understood that many changes and modifications may be made in the structure and manipulation thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

I. A construction element folded to form a threedimensional figure, said element comprising:

a sheet of pliable material;

said sheet being folded along a plurality of fold lines intersecting at a point spaced from and within the boundaries of said sheet forming triangular faces having a common apex and defining a plurality of face panels having an edge forming the base of said three-dimensional figure and including a fold panel disposed between a pair of adjacent face panels; and

said sheet being further folded along fold lines running substantially parallel to the base of said face panels and coinciding with a slit across said fold panel so that said element is formed into a threedimensional figure having concave and convex faces defining a frustum of a pyramid and a pyramid extending in opposite directions along a common axis.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said fold panel includes diagonal fold lines extending from the ends of said slit to the base of said fold panel at the intersection thereof with said line of symmetry.

3. The invention of claim 1 comprising tabs extending from the base of each of said face panels.

4. The invention of claim 1 comprising a tab extending from the base of each of said panels.

5. The invention of claim 4 attachedto a plurality of similar elements to form a three-dimensional structure. l l= l 

1. A construction element folded to form a three-dimensional figure, said element comprising: a sheet of pliable material; said sheet being folded along a plurality of fold lines intersecting at a point spaced from and within the boundaries of said sheet forming triangular faces having a common apex and defining a plurality of face panels having an edge forming the base of said three-dimensional figure and including a fold panel disposed between a pair of adjacent face panels; and said sheet being further folded along fold lines running substantially parallel to the base of said face panels and coinciding with a slit across said fold panel so that said element is formed into a three-dimensional figure having concave and convex faces defining a frustum of a pyramid and a pyramid extending in opposite directions along a common axis.
 2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said fold panel includes diagonal fold lines extending from the ends of said slit to the base of said fold panel at the intersection thereof with said line of symmetry.
 3. The invention of claim 1 comprising tabs extending from the base of each of said face panels.
 4. The invention of claim 1 comprising a tab extending from the base of each of said panels.
 5. The invention of claim 4 attached to a plurality of similar elements to form a three-dimensional structure. 